Joke

/dʒoʊk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A thing that someone says to cause amusement or laughter, especially a story with a funny punchline.

He told a hilarious joke that had everyone laughing.

An occurrence that is amusing or funny.

Falling on the ice was a joke that I couldn't help but laugh about.

Something that is not taken seriously; a trivial or insignificant matter.

Her complaints about the weather were just a joke and she didn't really mean it.

verb

To make jokes; to tell funny stories.

She loves to joke with her friends during lunch.

To speak in a playful or teasing manner.

He was just joking when he said he would quit his job.

From the 17th century, likely derived from the Latin 'jocus' meaning 'joke, jest'.

dad joke

A pun or simple joke typically made by a father.

play a joke on

To deceive someone in a humorous way.

make a joke of it

To treat a serious situation as if it were a joke.

humor

The quality of being amusing or entertaining.

jest

A playful or humorous act.

prank

A practical joke or mischievous act.

A joke that is not taken seriously.

That was just a joke, don't take it to heart.

When something is ridiculous or not credible.

This whole situation is a joke.